Keeping your home HVAC system up and running is probably very important to you. After all, without your HVAC system, you can’t easily keep your home at a comfortable temperature for you and your family. From time to time, your heating and air conditioning unit might need repairs; when this happens, it’s important to address your HVAC problems as soon as you can. These are a few signs that it’s time to have your unit looked at by a professional.
1. It’s Making Strange Noises
It’s not abnormal for your heating and air conditioning unit to make some noises when it’s in use. If your system is making a lot more noise than usual or if the noise is very loud, though, it might be an indication that something is not working properly with your system.
2. It Won’t Turn On
Obviously, if your heating and air conditioning unit will not turn on, it’s time to do something about it. First, check to ensure that there isn’t a tripped breaker or an issue with your gas tank. Additionally, you should check your thermostat to ensure that it doesn’t need batteries. If you are still having issues after this, working with a technician is a smart decision.
3. Your Energy Bills are Higher Than Usual
It is normal for your heating bills to go up during the winter, particularly when it’s really cold. The same is true during the hottest days of the summer. If you think that your heating and cooling bills are extraordinarily high, though, your HVAC system might not be working as efficiently as it is supposed to. Having your unit repaired could save you money on heating and cooling; plus, it’s the environmentally responsible thing to do.
4. It’s Not Heating or Cooling as Well as Usual
Your unit might turn on and run, and it might be heating or cooling your home at least a little bit. You might feel as if your home never gets as cool or warm as it should get, though.
There are a few possible explanations for this. For one thing, if your home is not sealed up well, then you can expect to experience some drafts. Sealing up your home with caulk is a good place to start. During the summer, covering up your windows with good-quality blinds or curtains can make a big difference, too.
In some cases, temperatures might rise so high or fall so low that your HVAC system has a hard time keeping up. This could be because your unit is not actually appropriately sized for your home, or it could be because of unseasonably hot or cold weather.
Additionally, your heating and air conditioning unit might not be cooling or heating like it’s supposed to because of a mechanical issue. Some of the parts of your unit could be wearing out, for example. If this is the case, then a repair might just solve your problem. Another possible reason for inefficient cooling or heating could be clogged furnace filters. It’s essential to know how often to change furnace filters to ensure proper airflow and system performance. Regularly changing your furnace filters can help maintain the efficiency of your HVAC system and keep your home at a much more comfortable temperature for you and your family.
5. It’s an Older Unit
Even if you aren’t actually having any specific problems with your heating and air conditioning unit right now, it might be time to have it looked at by a technician. If your system is older, then it might need some repairs so that it will continue to work well for you and your family.
6. It Won’t Turn Off
Just as a unit that won’t turn on is a problem, a unit that will not turn off on its own can be a big problem, too. This is often related to thermostat problems, although there could be other issues at play, too. Manually turning your unit off might be your only option until you can have your unit looked at; otherwise, you might waste a lot of energy, or your home might become uncomfortably hot or cold because of your unit running for too long.
7. It Turns Off and On Too Frequently
Your HVAC unit is supposed to turn off and on by itself. A well-functioning unit might turn off and on several times throughout the day, which is not unusual. However, your unit should not turn off and on every few minutes. This can waste a lot of energy and put a lot of strain on your unit. First, you can try adjusting your thermostat by a couple of degrees in either direction to find out if this will put a stop to the problem. If it doesn’t, then a repair might be in order.
8. There’s a Strange Smell
When you turn your heater on for the first time for the winter, you can expect to smell a minor odor. This should go away pretty quickly, though. If it doesn’t, or if your air conditioning system has a strange smell, then it’s time to show your unit some attention. There could be a problem with the wiring, or there could be an issue with the gas line. Strange smells can sometimes be an indication that there is a dangerous issue with a unit, so they should not be ignored, even if they aren’t particularly offensive smells.
If your heating and air conditioning unit is in need of repair, you should hire a qualified technician to come and take a look at it as soon as possible. In addition to addressing your current concerns, one of these professionals can also perform basic maintenance on your unit and can answer any HVAC repair Tacoma questions that you might have.